Bicycling

Explore the Loire by bicycle (“Loire à vélo”). Over 800km of routes from Nevers to the Atlantic Ocean including signposted, safe roads and bridleways as close to the Loire and its tributaries as possible. Information: www.loire-a-velo.fr.

Golf

Hiking

The GR 3 runs along the Loire Valley, passing through the forests of Orléans, Russy and Chinon.

The GR 3c cuts through Sologne from Gien to Mont-près-Chambord.

The GR 3d goes through the Layon vineyards.

The GR 31 links Mont-près-Chambord, on the edge of the Boulogne forest, to Souesmes, via Sologne.

The GR 32 cuts through the Orléans forest.

The GR 335 “from the Loire to the Loir” runs from Vouvray to Lavardin.

The GR 35 runs along the Loir Valley.

The GR 36 (Channel-Pyrenees) runs from Le Mans to Montreuil-Bellay.

The GR 46 runs along the Indre Valley.

French Federation of Hiking – t 01 44 89 93 93 - www.ffrp.asso.fr.

Historic Châteaux de la Loire Routes

The towns and villages of the Loire have devised a wide range of themed itineraries to introduce the visitor to their architectural heritage. The historic routes are dotted with signs. Information: www.routes-historiques.com.

Châteaux de la Loire pass

Attractive rates for several of the region’s 18 major sites, from Sully-sur-Loire in Nantes. Several types of passes depending on the length of your stay and the number of châteaux you want to visit. Information: www.valdeloire.org (in English).

Horse trekking

Famous for its stud farms and National Riding School at St-Hilaire-St-Florent near Saumur, the region is home to countless riding centres.

River cruises

Pays-de-la-Loire River Tourism – t 02 41 23 51 51.

Live aboard boats

Live aboard craft are fitted out for 2 to 12 people. Boats are hired without captains and do not require a permit. The following waterways are navigable: Loire, Maine, Mayenne, Oudon, Sarthe, together with the canal section of the Cher and the Berry canal.